The three graduated this week and will return to the Houston area this summer to start their residencies.

Twins Shilpa and Shinil are only 20 years old — but they could be your doctors. Shiwan is 21.

The Chronicle featured the Shahs in 2002 after they had graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and just started medical school. Like their identical choice of academic institution, the three stuck together in returning to their home state.

"What really drew me to pediatrics is the chance to make a difference in the lives of young people who are going to be our future," Shilpa adds. She still remembers the thrill of her first delivery — though not the baby's sex. "Just to be able to see the circle of life (and) how happy the mom was."

Her twin, Shinil, will be a general-surgery resident at UT in Houston. "I chose general surgery because ... it allows you to provide complete patient care," he says. It's also a hands-on field that involves "tremendous technology," a team approach with multiple specialists and the operating room, he adds.

Shiwan is joining Shilpa at UTMB, where he will do a combined internal medicine and pediatrics residency. "I enjoy pretty much taking care of adults and kids," he says.

Shiwan recalls a lung-cancer patient who had trouble breathing. When she complained of back pain, "I just did some very gentle manipulation, and she felt better," he says.

It made him appreciate his choice of osteopathic medical school. Osteopathic physicians are taught to practice medicine by evaluating the whole person. They receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system, incorporate manipulative treatment and zero in on preventive health care.

"I was able to learn something new from every patient," Shinil adds. "The biggest thing I've probably come away with is to be a good listener. I think it's very relevant in medical care but also life in general."

Dr. Warren Wallace, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs, has known the Shahs since they were still applicants.

"They spent a lot of time together, but yet they spent a lot of time apart also," Wallace says. "I think that was good for their growth and development."